When Expectations Meet Reality
While they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” – Matthew 26:21
The disciples walked into the upper room expecting a good meal, meaningful fellowship, and a joyful celebration of Passover. They were reclining at the table, symbolizing freedom and rest, remembering God’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Everything about the night pointed toward joy and victory.
Then Jesus spoke.
“Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”
In a single sentence, Jesus created emotional whiplash in the room. The vibe changed instantly. What began as a celebration was interrupted by a declaration that none of them expected. The word “betray” means to hand over or abandon to suffering. Jesus was telling them that someone sitting at that table would hand Him over and abandon Him to pain.
The disciples had assumptions about how things were going to unfold. They believed Jesus was the Messiah. They believed He was about to establish His kingdom, overthrow Roman rule, and reign in power. In their minds, this meal marked the beginning of victory.
But Jesus shattered every assumption.
This is what happens when our expectations collide with God’s reality. We assume that following Jesus means smooth paths, clear victories, and predictable outcomes. But Jesus often interrupts our assumptions to reveal a deeper truth.
The disciples’ response is telling. They were deeply distressed, and each one asked, “Surely not I, Lord?” Fear replaced confidence. Doubt replaced certainty. When their assumptions fell apart, their faith was tested.
The same thing happens to us. When life is good, it is easy to feel confident in our faith. But when plans fall apart, prayers go unanswered, or God’s path looks different than ours, we are forced to confront what we really believe.
Jesus was not being cruel. He was being honest. He was preparing them for what was coming. Sometimes, the most loving thing Jesus can do is disrupt our expectations so He can deepen our faith.
When Jesus speaks into your life, He may challenge what you assumed would happen. But His interruptions are always invitations. Invitations to trust Him beyond what you can see. Invitations to follow Him even when the table conversation takes an unexpected turn.
The disciples walked into the upper room expecting a good meal, meaningful fellowship, and a joyful celebration of Passover. They were reclining at the table, symbolizing freedom and rest, remembering God’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Everything about the night pointed toward joy and victory.
Then Jesus spoke.
“Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”
In a single sentence, Jesus created emotional whiplash in the room. The vibe changed instantly. What began as a celebration was interrupted by a declaration that none of them expected. The word “betray” means to hand over or abandon to suffering. Jesus was telling them that someone sitting at that table would hand Him over and abandon Him to pain.
The disciples had assumptions about how things were going to unfold. They believed Jesus was the Messiah. They believed He was about to establish His kingdom, overthrow Roman rule, and reign in power. In their minds, this meal marked the beginning of victory.
But Jesus shattered every assumption.
This is what happens when our expectations collide with God’s reality. We assume that following Jesus means smooth paths, clear victories, and predictable outcomes. But Jesus often interrupts our assumptions to reveal a deeper truth.
The disciples’ response is telling. They were deeply distressed, and each one asked, “Surely not I, Lord?” Fear replaced confidence. Doubt replaced certainty. When their assumptions fell apart, their faith was tested.
The same thing happens to us. When life is good, it is easy to feel confident in our faith. But when plans fall apart, prayers go unanswered, or God’s path looks different than ours, we are forced to confront what we really believe.
Jesus was not being cruel. He was being honest. He was preparing them for what was coming. Sometimes, the most loving thing Jesus can do is disrupt our expectations so He can deepen our faith.
When Jesus speaks into your life, He may challenge what you assumed would happen. But His interruptions are always invitations. Invitations to trust Him beyond what you can see. Invitations to follow Him even when the table conversation takes an unexpected turn.
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